A thread for people who've had some issue with Costco/Kirkland

[JBR]

Our household's complaint with Costco relates to bulk batteries. But I thought I'd start a thread for any issues. Of course, I realize other SF members may have no complaints re Costco.

We've been buying packages of Kirkland alkaline batteries of various sizes, from AAA all the way up to D cells. Mostly they've been okay. We originally assumed they're comparable to Duracell, Energizer, etc. The other day, in one pack of 40 AAs we found at least four that were useless (either very low-power, or just dead), but this may have occurred with some fewer at once, previously. I'd estimate we had this package for a couple years, but the package states a 10-year guarantee. Returning would be impractical, we live a 4+ hour drive from the nearest Costco.

Quite frustrating. Anyone faced a similar disappointment with Kirkland batteries?

(Or with any other Costco product or service?)

 

[That Lady in PA]

What was the date on the batteries that were dead?

 

[JustDave]

Quite frustrating. Anyone faced a similar disappointment with Kirkland batteries?

(Or with any other Costco product or service?)

It's odd that you bring up the battery issue. I don't know if it's Costco or just my imagination, but I've been wondering about my Costco batteries recently. I've been wondering if some of them don't last as long as they should. It's hard to keep track because I've got so many battery operated things around the house.

 

[bobcat]

My experience with Costco has been wonderful for many years.
If on your next trip there, you could return the batteries, and they will take care of you. I don't think many other establishments would do that with no questions asked.

 

[JBR]

My experience with Costco has been wonderful for many years.
If on your next trip there, you could return the batteries, and they will take care of you. I don't think many other establishments would do that with no questions asked.

Thanks, Bobcat. For a lot of items they sell, it's seemed worthwhile to bring back nearly as big a load as our little Toyota RAV4 can accommodate (along with our traveling gear). Those trips are pretty infrequent for us, just because of the distance.

 

[JustDave]

Most stuff at Costco is fairly good quality, a step up from Walmart most of the time. It's a long drive for me too, so I buy a 6 months supply of things, sometimes a year's supply. I could buy more stuff, but their selection is limited, even though their actual inventory is huge.

 

[Babs2u]

I am spoiled with many shopping opportunities nearby. But I have always wanted a Costco. Several times one was planned in the area but the deal fell through. Maybe I should plan an excursion to one in another county and stop complaining.

 

[mrstime]

Never have had a problem with Costco, then we buy batteries at the dollar store.and they always work just fine.

 

[officerripley]

I’ve been having problems with the batteries I get from Costco too; the last batch were Duracells with an exp date of 2034 and the 1st three I tried to use were dead; very frustrating.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

I assume Kirkland is a Costco battery house brand. There is an idea that house brands are way cheaper, but are just as good as more expensive well known brands. In some cases that may be true, but the only real way to make a cheaper product is to use cheaper ingredients and cut quality standards.

 

[JBR]

I assume Kirkland is a Costco battery house brand. There is an idea that house brands are way cheaper, but are just as good as more expensive well known brands. In some cases that may be true, but the only real way to make a cheaper product is to use cheaper ingredients and cut quality standards.

Well, but there's also the principle of large-volume, bulk wholesale buying that can allow sizable retail businesses to offer lower consumer prices. Even well-known-brand products. I think that principle may apply to many of the bulk items Costco sells. I've wondered, though, if some of their bulk items (for instance a pack of 40 AA batteries) may not be top quality.

 

[Michael Z]

Here is some info on the Kirkland brand. You are generally getting name brand quality. I have some Kirkland batteries in my game cam - they held up quite well.
https://www.mashed.com/738166/the-untold-truth-of-costcos-kirkland-brand/

 

[Jules]

@JBR. Send an email to Costco. It can’t hurt, even if they say you need to return them in store. Include a photo showing the date on the battery. It’s a pain to get a refund if one of your friends purchased them for you.

Maybe they’ve changed the manufacturer lately.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

I assume Kirkland is a Costco battery house brand.

That’s exactly right. Kirkland is Costcos signature brand. Kirkland is specifically made to imitate or copy the best products available but at a great price. For most items they nail it spot on. For some items ( very few ) it’s not quite there.

I love Costco. No matter what I purchase they stick to the guarantee that I’ll like it or my money is refunded and actually follow through on this promise.

There is an idea that house brands are way cheaper, but are just as good as more expensive well known brands. In some cases that may be true, but the only real way to make a cheaper product is to use cheaper ingredients and cut quality standards.